The Obligato Valve Amplifier

Not without regret, we have to announce that we will not be able to supply this excellent amplifier in future. This is to allow us to concentrate our limited resources in our primary area: the design and production of the finest music loudspeakers in the world. However, don't let that spoil your enjoyment of reading about them - if you're keen to take it further, the designer, David Wright, [see: www.cherryrecords.co.uk ] may be able to help you:

The Obligato is a high resolution, low noise amplifier, designed to compliment our loudspeakers. Being single ended and a feedback free zone, with no capacitors used in the signal path, (it's direct coupled) the music just flows as freely as the signal. The EL34 output tubes are connected in triode mode, and the power supply uses choke input filters, all combining to give an effortless musical presence.

While not as well known as our loudspeakers and having had only passing comment by reviewers their praise was no less whole hearted, and the power delivery of 7 watts proved more than adequate.

At one point I found myself confronting the age old dilemma of preferring transistors for the bass and valves in the midband, but have to admit Beauhorn's own amplifier proved an excellent partner.
~ Paul Messenger Hi-Fi+

Beauhorn produces a single-ended valve amplifier, called the Obligato, to match its range of speakers, and though rated at just 7W-per-channel, the combination produces wall-shaking volume levels. In fact, much of this test was done using this combination, as our reference Krell amplifier just didn't sound comfortable working at the low power levels that best suit the Beauhorns. It just goes to show the importance of carefully matching hi-fi components.
~ Ketan Bharadia What Hi-fi

The same attention to detail that we apply to our speakers is very much in evidence in our amplifier as well. Again the main design criteria is the reproduction of the musical performance - nothing added, nothing taken away. Although measuring only 410x150x315mm (16x6x12in) WxHxD the fact that the Obligato weighs in at a not inconsiderable 14.5kg (32lb) is testament to the quality and cost of the components used within. The front panel is finished with cherry veneer or sprayed to match the B2 and features control knobs turned from solid cherry wood. The amplifier is provided with a volume control, so that it is not necessary to include a pre-amplifier in the system (less equals more, remember), although a high-quality switch unit will be required if more than one source is used.

Cogniscenti will recognise that the name obligato is aptly derived from the musical term obbligato: "a musical accompaniment that is itself an essential part of the composition". (The missing 'b' is on the corner of the facia, of course). The Obligato together with the Virtuoso or B2 make an outstanding combination, together, they deliver the relaxed and natural sound which fully conveys the emotion of the music.

While designed to be used with our own loudspeakers the Obligato is no less at home driving any high quality, high sensitivity loudspeaker. It can even help to transform less expensive designs.

Although the Kelly KT2 has a high sensitivity by normal standards, it isn't in the horn league and it's not the kind of speaker that the Obligato was designed for. But the amp worked pretty well on the KT2, smoothing out the speaker's slight treble brashness and making the midrange really melt-in-the-mouth.
~ Steve Harris Hi-fi News

Use the contact pages and speak to your local distributor about the Obligato valve amplifier, or fix-up a listening session and hear what it can do when driving our loudspeakers.

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